Traditional Chinese
Medicine Herbalist
Step into a world of ancient wisdom and modern expertise with our comprehensive three-year program, designed to guide you on your journey toward becoming a skilled Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Herbalist. Over these transformative years, you will immerse yourself in the intricate world of herbal medicine, mastering the art of harnessing nature’s remedies to promote holistic well-being.
In the foundational stages, you will lay the groundwork for your herbalist journey by delving deeply into the principles of TCM theory, gaining insight into the energetic qualities of herbs, and understanding their intricate interactions within the body. You will be guided through the meticulous process of crafting herbal formulas tailored to address a wide range of health concerns.
As you progress, your expertise will grow as you specialize in advanced herbal therapies. Under the guidance of experienced TCM Herbalists, you will refine your diagnostic skills and learn to create precise and personalized herbal regimens for patients.
PTIRU Approved
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
Program Hours: Program Months: | Program Weeks: Practicum Hours: |
Year One
The focus of year one will be on the orientation into the paradigm of Chinese medicine. Following the introduction of fundamental theories and concepts the student will gradually be introduced to diagnosis, disease, and treatment principles. The practical training will be focused on Taiji Quan. The study of the Chinese language is used to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts and to prepare the student for independent research of TCM manuscripts still in their language of origin, as well as preparation for possible further studies in China for those students who choose to do so.
Year one of the program is a particularly significant phase of the program in that, students from diverse backgrounds and with diverse levels of knowledge will establish in themselves not only the actual detailed knowledge of TCM but also a solid conceptualization of medicine as a whole. In general, this involves a transition from the romantic view of TCM to the realism of medicine as a science in its own right. With the study of Western science initiated in tandem with that of TCM, students will begin to foster the integrated medicine approach advocated within the TCM profession today.
Year Two
The focus of the second year is to introduce the more technical elements of Chinese medicine, including Chinese medicinal substances and Chinese medicinal formulas. Students will continue their study of Counselling Skills and begin their study of Qi Gong (understanding and training qi). In this year, students will be introduced to the classical view of mental and emotional disharmony patterns and their absolute importance to a wide variety of illnesses. The study of business management and ethics will assist students in developing the professional skills and attitudes necessary for independent practice.
If the study of the foundations of TCM in Year 1 is likened to the roots, trunk and main branches of a tree, then study in Year 2 may be likened to the small branches and leaves. Students will assimilate a vast amount of detailed knowledge in the relevant fields of TCM. This knowledge is often experienced as somewhat overwhelming at the time; however, it will serve as the “fuel for the fire” as it is constantly reexamined during the integration phase in the following years of study.
Year Three
The focus in this final year is to systematically examine all patterns of disharmony and their manifestations as illness. This study encompasses etiology, symptomatology, differential diagnosis, principles of treatment, and appropriate therapy. All therapeutic methods in terms of medicinal formulas, Tui Na massage and Qi Gong will be discussed. This year draws heavily on the previous years’ materials.
Year 3 is the integration phase of the program. Students will re-examine all previously learned knowledge and develop the ability to integrate this knowledge into a coherent understanding of disease and its treatment. At KCC, all students will develop the ability to accurately formulate a TCM differential diagnosis, which we consider to be paramount to all other skills. Effective treatment is the natural progression of an accurate diagnosis.
* For full credit breakdown please contact us
What is the focus of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist?
A Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist specializes in the study and application of Chinese herbal formulas using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles to support overall wellness.
How does a Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist support clients?
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalists work with herbal preparations and formulas tailored according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and individual wellness goals.
Is the Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist Program suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist Program is designed for individuals with no prior experience as well as those with an existing interest in health, wellness, or natural medicine.
Who is this Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalist program best suited for?
This program is well-suited for individuals interested in herbal medicine, holistic health systems, Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, and anyone seeking to build a deeper understanding of health and wellness from a natural and traditional perspective.
What employment paths are available for Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalists?
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalists may work in herbal dispensaries, wellness clinics, integrative health settings, or independent practice environments.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate:
- Comprehensive understanding of the theoretical basis and applications of Chinese medicine, including Chinese medical history and modern applications.
- Comprehensive understanding of biomedical studies including Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, Western Lab & Diagnostics, and Pharmacology.
- Comprehensive training and practical application of medical Mandarin language as it pertains to assessing, diagnosing, and treating a patient.
- Comprehensive understanding and practical ability to assess, diagnose, and generate treatment principles and treatment plans.
- The ability to successfully select Chinese medicinal herbs and formulas appropriate for respective condition(s).
- The ability to utilize supplementary techniques for treatment that may include but are not limited to: tui na massage/acupressure, and dietary recommendations.
- Practical knowledge and experience in interviewing and counselling skills to support the role of health practitioners.
- A comprehensive understanding of the classical view of mental and emotional disharmony and the corresponding patterns of various illnesses.
- Practical knowledge of the self-care modalities of Yang Sheng Fa (Nourishing life principles), Taiji Quan, Dao Yin, and Nei Gong.
- Training in research methods to successfully review, analyze, and generate an academic research paper.
- Fundamental training in business and records management. The introduction to business models, approaches, marketing, record keeping, and business plan generation.
- Fundamental understanding of practical safety protocols and jurisprudence framework for operating a business and practicing as a practitioner in the jurisdiction of BC under the regulations set out by the CCHPBC. Development of the professional skills and attitudes necessary for an independent and/or collaborative practice.
Admission Requirements:
- High School Diploma & Official Transcripts
- Post-Secondary Diplomas & Official Transcripts (if applicable)
- Personal Essay
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Physician’s certificate of health (Western, Chinese or Naturopathic Doctor/practitioner) including severe allergies
- Resume
- Proficiency in written and oral English
English Proficiency Requirements:
Provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:
- Completion of grades 9-11, including English 10, with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
- Evidence of graduation from a language program with an established pathway/articulation agreement allowing direct entry (no further testing required) to a diploma or degree program at a public institution in Canada, or
- Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – Minimum overall score of 5.5
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT – Minimum overall score of 46
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum overall score of 40
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) – Minimum overall score of 95
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – Minimum overall score of 43
- Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
- Cambridge Linguaskill – Minimum overall B2 level
- LANGUAGECERT Academic – Minimum overall B2 level
- The Michigan English Test (MET) – Minimum overall B2 level
- iTEP Academic – Minimum overall score of 3.5
- EIKEN – Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
Upon successful completion of this program:
- Once registered, a TCM Herbalist is authorized in BC to prescribe, compound or dispense Chinese herbal formulae (Zhong Yao Chu Fang) and Chinese food cure recipes (Shi Liao).
- Can find employment in Chinese medicine and acupuncture clinics, spas, health retreats, wellness clinics, alternative therapy clinics, healing centres, and private practice, and Chinese herb supply companies
- Teach, conduct research, and publish academic works.
